Hope-scrolling when I should be working
In the business of creating positive distractions.
Hey honeys and hustlers,
The definition of daydreaming is a positive distraction (source: trust me bro). Binge-watching, and all it’s variations, has transformed how audiences consume content. From TV shows and movies to podcasts and blogs, people are increasingly drawn to content they can immerse themselves in for extended periods. For creators, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Let’s talk about what makes content binge-worthy and how to incorporate those elements into your work.
Binge-watching satisfies several psychological needs:
Escapism: Engaging with a continuous stream of content offers an escape from daily stress and routine.
Emotional Connection: Binge-worthy content often features complex characters and storylines that viewers become emotionally invested in. If you’re hosting a show or creating videos where you are in front of the camera, the “character” is you.
Instant Gratification: The ability to consume multiple episodes or chapters at once provides immediate satisfaction and reduces the frustration of waiting. Because who likes waiting?
So what are some key elements of creating binge-worthy content?
Compelling Storytelling: A compelling story is at the heart of any binge-worthy content. Whether it's a gripping plot or a deep dive into a subject the viewer is interested in learning more about, the story should be engaging enough to keep viewers hooked from start to finish. Easier said than done at times. My best and shortest advice is to…keep it short. Edit and cut ruthlessly to ensure only your best work shines through.
Strong Characters: Characters are the backbone of any story. Developing multi-dimensional characters that viewers can relate to or root for will keep them coming back for more. Showing your or your subjects’ personality, faults, strengths, niche interests are all things that keep people coming back.
Cliffhangers and Suspense: Ending episodes or chapters with cliffhangers creates a sense of urgency and compels viewers to continue watching. Suspense keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next. This could mean making more serial content or simply using the YouTube end screen to point viewers to a similar video or playlist they might enjoy next.
Consistency: Consistency in quality, tone, and pacing (not just output) helps build trust with your audience. If viewers know they can expect high-quality content every time, they are more likely to binge your current and previous work.
Engagement: Interactive elements, such as social media discussions, inviting fan/audience theories, and behind-the-scenes (BTS) content, can enhance the binge-watching experience. Engaging with your audience keeps the conversation going and maintains interest in your content. I’ve been wanting to do more BTS content as that’s always felt like the heart of filmmaking to me, and I’m sure there are parts of your creative process that your audience would be interested in. No one ever does things exactly the same way.
I’m rooting for you to create your own feed of scroll-worthy content that gives your audience deeper ways to engage and stay connected along the way.
In Readworthy News
// The Savannah Bananas ink a broadcast deal with TNT. If you’re not familiar, the Savannah Bananas are like the southern baseball version of the Harlem Globetrotters. They combine baseball, music, and entertainment to create an incredible experience for fans of all ages. Their owner Jesse Cole is super innovative and an incredible marketer, and decided to invest in making their show available for YouTube audiences (with their main channel totaling 1M+ subscribers🤯). This has since brought the team even more opportunities than he could’ve imagined, like playing in front of thousands of fans in his favorite childhood stadium, Fenway Park. Starting August 16th, the Savannah Bananas will broadcast 5 Friday night games on TruTV in partnership with TNT.
// Stacey Abrams starts a new podcast. Political podcasts are not new, but it will be interesting to see current and former candidates and elected officials dive into this medium as the popularity of podcasts (and celebrity podcasts in particular) grows. Politicians and candidates are often guests, but rarely hosts or creators. Her new show, Assembly Required, is being produced in collaboration with Crooked Media, who also produce the ever popular ‘Pod Save America.’ The first episode will be release on August 15th.
// Roy Wood Jr. to host Saturday night show on CNN. I couldn’t let the week end without highlighting a fellow Alabamian. ‘Have I Got News for You’ is see to be the American version of the BBC original comedy series combining comedy and political news headlines. Sound familiar? Oh yeah. Roy Wood Jr. took himself out of the running to be the host of the Daily Show after Trevor Noah left, even though he was favored to replace him. I’m glad to see that what was for him found its way to him.
Please hustle responsibly,
🤙🏾✨
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"hope scrolling" is a skill we all need to learn how to do.